Weedbusting and Biodiversity on Sumner-Taylors Mistake walkway

The Canterbury Branch of New Zealand’s Biosecurity Institute celebrated the end of July – “Biosecurity month” and 2010 the year of Biodiversity with a planting day at their restoration site situated with gorgeous views overlooking Taylor’s Mistake & Godley Head.

This July was the first ever NZ Biosecurity month in New Zealand and was launched by The New Zealand Biosecurity Institute (NZBI). The launch of Biosecurity month was to highlight to New Zealanders that they can all have a role in protecting our special country from invasive species.

NZBI president Craig Davey says that it’s about getting rid of the bad stuff to protect the good stuff.
“Biosecurity is not just about pests that threaten to enter our borders, but also about our internal biosecurity, those pests that already exist in New Zealand and need to be controlled or eradicated,” says Craig.

And that’s just what the Canterbury NZBI branch & supporters have been working on in a 2 year project removing a range of pest plants & replacing them with natives in Nicholson Park and along the Sumner/Taylors Mistake walkway.

Last weekend 22 volunteers planted 1,250 native seedlings in 90 hours of volunteer time, next to the fenced off Donkey paddock overlooking Taylors Mistake beach. After thirsty work on the steep hillside, participants got to enjoy a well earned wild foods lunch, a drink and some great company.

“We wanted to celebrate and draw attention to Biosecurity month this July, in a year that is the year of Biodiversity” says Keith Briden, Canterbury NZBI branches project leader for the restoration project.

“So, near the start of July we had a Weedbusting bash at clearing broom and dug some planting holes for planting native seedlings in an area near known as the “Donkey paddock”. On the last weekend of July, we planted 1250 native seedlings & placed plant protectors - a nice way to help prevent weed re-establishment and celebrate the year of biodiversity!” says Keith.

Hugh Gourlay, Canterbury NZBI branch president sometimes asks himself why people get involved.
“It’s probably because the area is one of the most important recreation areas for Christchurch residents,” he speculates.

“What we are doing will enhance the recreational experience in the area and showcase what can be achieved by community Weedbusters and restoration groups. The establishment of these native plantings will replace weeds such as boneseed, boxthorn and broom and add to remnant vegetation in the area that will assist in the re-establishment of native birds,” he says.
“Imagine how wonderful it will be to hear birdsong while walking along this stunning coast line!”

Keith and Hugh have been the driving force behind the branch’s achievements to date. They put in an application two years ago to the Community Conservation Fund and managed to secure a grant of $23,400 over two years for weed control and restoration. Two years on and Keith still works diligently at releasing plants, watering and preparing for new plantings and Hugh continues to support Keith by rounding up the troops for weed and planting days.

“Anyone can get involved in biosecurity & biodiversity work in their own back yard” says Keith.

The Canterbury NZBI Branch would like to thank the Christchurch City Council for their ongoing support in the project, for fencing off the donkey paddock to prevent animal grazing of plantings and for providing herbicide, rabbit protectors and the occasional fantastic BBQ! Also thanks goes to the many Weedbuster individuals who are not part of the NZBI for their ongoing dedication and support.

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